It is not the first time Duterte has criticised the international climate agreement, however. He previously accused the UN of being “hypocrites” for fixing a pact which requires all countries – not just the rich – to make greenhouse gas cuts.

The UN deal also encourages countries to develop better climate resilience strategies, vital for a nation as vulnerable to extreme weather as the Philippines.

Storms are likely to become more severe say scientists, raising the prospect of future catastrophes like Typhoon Haiyan, which left over 6000 dead in 2013.